How to Sign "Desire"
To sign 'desire', form your dominant hand into a 'C' shape. Place your thumb and fingertips against your upper chest, just below your neck. Slide your hand straight down your chest a short distance.
Examples Using "Desire" in a Sentence
1
I have a strong desire to learn ASL.
Sign 'desire' by moving the 'C' handshape down your chest, and pair it with an intense facial expression to show a strong feeling. Follow this with the signs for 'learn' and 'ASL' to complete the thought.
2
What is your heart's desire?
To ask this, you can sign 'your', 'desire', and 'what'. When signing 'what', remember to furrow your eyebrows, as it is a 'wh-' question. The sign for 'desire' here captures the deep longing implied by 'heart's desire'.
3
She desires to travel the world.
Begin by pointing to indicate 'she', then sign 'desire' with a clear downward stroke on your chest. Finish the sentence by signing 'travel' and 'world'. Ensure your facial expression matches the excitement or intensity of her desire.
How to Sign "Desire"
To sign 'desire', form your dominant hand into a 'C' shape. Place your thumb and fingertips against your upper chest, just below your neck. Slide your hand straight down your chest a short distance.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'desire' is highly iconic and relates to the physical sensation of longing or craving. By placing the hand on the chest and moving it downward, the sign visually represents a feeling that originates deep within the body, much like an appetite or a gut feeling. This downward motion over the torso is shared with signs like 'hungry' and 'wish', all of which connect to internal physical or emotional cravings that we feel in our core.
Signing Tips
When signing 'desire', focus on keeping your 'C' handshape firm and consistent as you move it down your chest. The movement should be a single, smooth downward stroke. Your facial expression is incredibly important for this sign; to convey a deep or passionate desire, furrow your brows slightly and show intensity in your eyes. If it is a lighter wish, keep your expression more relaxed. Remember that the hand stays in contact with or very close to the chest throughout the motion.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is confusing 'desire' with 'want'. While they are synonyms in English, 'want' is signed by reaching both hands out and pulling them inward with clawed fingers. 'Desire' uses only your dominant hand moving down the chest. Another mistake is moving the hand upward instead of downward, or using a flat hand instead of a 'C' shape. Always ensure your fingers and thumb form a clear 'C' and the motion goes straight down.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Desire" in a Sentence
1I have a strong desire to learn ASL.
Sign 'desire' by moving the 'C' handshape down your chest, and pair it with an intense facial expression to show a strong feeling. Follow this with the signs for 'learn' and 'ASL' to complete the thought.
2What is your heart's desire?
To ask this, you can sign 'your', 'desire', and 'what'. When signing 'what', remember to furrow your eyebrows, as it is a 'wh-' question. The sign for 'desire' here captures the deep longing implied by 'heart's desire'.
3She desires to travel the world.
Begin by pointing to indicate 'she', then sign 'desire' with a clear downward stroke on your chest. Finish the sentence by signing 'travel' and 'world'. Ensure your facial expression matches the excitement or intensity of her desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'desire' the same as 'wish'?
Yes, 'desire' and 'wish' are often signed the exact same way. You can use your facial expression to show the intensity of the feeling, distinguishing a simple wish from a deep, passionate desire. Context will also help clarify your exact meaning.
How is 'desire' different from 'want'?
While they have similar meanings, 'want' is signed with both hands reaching out and pulling inward with clawed fingers. 'Desire' uses a single 'C' handshape moving down the chest. Using the correct sign helps convey the specific nuance of a deep internal longing versus a simple want.
Does this sign also mean 'hungry'?
Yes, the sign for 'hungry' is identical to 'desire' and 'wish'. In ASL, context is key. The topic of your conversation will easily clarify whether you are talking about needing food or having a strong emotional desire for something else.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!